Swamp Rabbits add Zinger

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Los Angeles Kings and American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign, announced that the team has signed rookie defenseman Josh Zinger for the 2026-27 season.

Zinger joins the Swamp Rabbits for his first full professional season following his pro debut at the end of last year. The 25-year-old made his professional debut on March 14 against Tulsa, and finished his first stint in the ECHL with 11 games. Zinger turned pro following his fourth and final NCAA season, and second with St. Cloud State University. As a member of the Huskies, he registered seven points (1g-6a) in 36 games.

From Red Deer, Alberta, Zinger split his college career between St. Cloud State and Northern Michigan University, and finished his college career with 51 points (11g-40a) in 141 games. With the Wildcats, he twice garnered CCHA honors, earning an All-Rookie Team nod in 2023 and Second All-Star Team recognition in 2024.

Prior to college, Zinger played junior hockey in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and British Columbia Hockey League, helping the Brooks Bandits to the 2022 AJHL championship while earning the Stewy Stewart Trophy for sportsmanship.

Zinger comes from an extensive hockey family: his sister, Presley, finished last season with the University of British Columbia, and his cousin, Keith McInnis, is set to begin his NCAA career at University of Minnesota-Duluth this upcoming winter. His uncle, Dwayne, enjoyed a 10-year playing career that saw him reach the NHL with the Washington Capitals in the 2003-04 campaign, and additionally earn 535 games in the AHL, 37 more in the ECHL, and a Danish League championship in 2009. Dwayne resides in Greenville, was an assistant coach of the Road Warriors from 2012-14, and has been a staple of youth hockey development and coaching in the area.